Ferran Torres ready to torment Atletico Madrid again in Copa clash
Barcelona's in-form striker Ferran Torres, the club's top scorer this season, has a proven track record against Atletico Madrid ahead of crucial Copa del Rey semi-final
Barcelona’s top marksman Ferran Torres is absolutely buzzing for Thursday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, a fixture where he’s historically been a proper handful for Simeone’s men.
Rested and ready
The Spanish international goes into the clash at the Metropolitano fresh as a daisy after some calculated rotation from Hansi Flick. Torres was limited to just 13 minutes against Mallorca in La Liga, coming on for Lewandowski in the 77th minute. He was similarly wrapped in cotton wool during the Albacete cup tie, playing just 24 minutes.
All signs point to the Valencia-born forward returning to the starting lineup as Barça’s most advanced attacker for this massive cup showdown.
This season’s scoring sensation
Torres has been in the form of his life this campaign:
- 16 goals across all competitions (Barcelona’s top scorer)
- Scored in every competition Barça have played in
- 12 in La Liga
- 1 in Copa del Rey
- 6 in Champions League
- 2 in Spanish Supercopa
The 25-year-old has truly found his shooting boots under Flick’s guidance, becoming the main man up top despite the presence of Polish legend Lewandowski.
Atletico: His favourite opposition
If there’s one team Torres loves playing against, it’s the Rojiblancos. Only Real Betis have suffered more at his hands, conceding nine goals to Torres in 13 matches.
Against Atletico, his numbers are proper tasty:
- 5 goals in 11 appearances
- 9 matches in La Liga
- 2 matches in Copa del Rey
- 7 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat
Crucially, he scored the winner in last season’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico, the goal that sent Barcelona through to a final they ultimately won for their 32nd Copa trophy.
Cup ambitions
With Torres in such fine fettle and his track record against tonight’s opponents, Flick will be banking on his Spanish striker to help put one foot in the final. Barcelona are desperate to add Copa number 33 to their trophy cabinet, and their main goal-getter looks ready to deliver when it matters most.